Immunotherapy

One hundred year history of Allergen Immunotherapy
In 1911, two English scientists, Leonard Noon, and John Freeman discovered that injecting small
amounts of an offending substance such as pollen could decrease
symptoms for an allergic individual by desensitizing their immune
system. Over the years so much
more has been learned about allergen immunotherapy.
Allergy
immunotherapy has been reported to be effective for asthma,
rhinitis, dermatitis, chronic fatigue, arthritis, digestive
problems, chemical sensitivities, food sensitivities, and PMS, just
to name a few.

Provocative/Neutralization allergy
testing
At Chelation Medical Center, the staff is trained in a specialized skin testing procedure called Maximum Tolerated Intradermal Dose, or Provocative/Neutralization (P/N) testing. P/N allergy testing is based on Serial Dilution Endpoint Titration recommended by the American Academy of Environmental Medicine and the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy. Traditional immunotherapy requires a long term commitment because of the length of time for build-up to reach your target dose. This can take from a few months to two years before your target dose is reached. P/N testing enables us to
find your target or "neutralizing" dose the same day you are tested
offering not only a more accurate dose for your allergy injection,
but eliminating lengthy build up times. This usually provides
much quicker relief of symptoms from the allergens which are tested.
Another
advantage of this method is that the neutralized dose is determined
immediately, and because it is unique to your immune system, it is
your target dose. You are trained in giving the injection to
yourself, and it can be taken at home, avoiding the need to return
to the office for weekly or bi-weekly allergy shots. We can
also treat with sublingual drops.

Allergy Testing Process:
Allergens to be tested are determined by your history, a medical
evaluation, and a consult with the physician. Antihistamines
or steroid medications should not be taken prior to testing. A
very small amount of the allergen is injected under your skin with a
fine needle. Symptoms may occur and are monitored as well as
observation of the site of injection. Symptoms can be
"neutralized" with a slight modification of the dose. When
most if not all your provoked symptoms are relieved, your
neutralizing dose is reached which is your treatment or maintenance
dose.

Allergy Treatment Process:

Some people have lasting relief of their symptoms, while
others may relapse after discontinuing treatment. Therefore,
the duration of allergen immunotherapy varies from person to person.
The decision to begin allergy immunotherapy is based on many
factors:

length and severity of your symptoms

the season

potential of future exposure to the
allergens

measures to reduce exposures

your desire to avoid long term medication
use

A note on Medications
While medications can give some temporary relief to symptoms, they
do not address the cause and are only "Band-Aids" many with
very serious side effects. Medications are prescribed at times
but only if absolutely needed, with an understanding they are
temporary solutions until allergen testing can be completed and
neutralizing doses are determined.